Somalia stalemate likely to go on despite Hirshabelle relenting

The political stalemate in Somalia is likely to continue despite the state of Hirshabelle announcing that it will co-operate with the central government.

Puntland, Galmudug, Southwest State and Jubbaland remain defiant.

The President of Hirshabelle, Mohamed Abdi Ware, announced the move, which analysts say was forced, because, apart from the push for a no-confidence motion against him, he is not in control of the state.

However, experts say the litmus test will come in November when the Southwest State, led by Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden, goes to the elections.

The outcome will determine whether the remaining four federal states will maintain their non-cooperation stance with the centre as per their September 8 resolution or cave in.